How to Know What to Buy (and What to Let Go of in Your Closet)

fashion your style Sep 23, 2025

Every woman I know has stood in front of her closet and sighed: I have nothing to wear. And yet, the hangers are crowded.

The truth is, most of us are hanging onto clothes that don't fit our bodies, our lives, or the women we've become. We buy things for the wrong reasons. We keep things out of guilt. We try to force old versions of ourselves back into our current lives. And then we wonder why getting dressed feels so hard.

Let's change that.

Here's how to make style choices - whether you're buying something new or editing your closet - that actually serve you.

Why We Buy (and Why We Regret It)

Most of us shop with emotion and then scramble to justify it with logic. We buy the sparkly top because it made us feel bold in the dressing room. We grab the "on-sale" jacket because it felt like a smart bargain. We say yes to the pants because maybe we'll lose ten pounds and they'll fit then.

And later? We're left with a closet full of "what ifs" and "good enough."

The real cost isn't just financial. It's:

Mental Clutter every time you open your closet.
Decision fatigue when outfit #4 still doesn't feel right.
Frustration over clothes that looked fine in the store but never really worked in real life.

The difference between wasted money and a wardrobe that works? Just one intentional decision at a time.

1. Does it fit and feel right?

Clothes should move with you, not against you. If you're constantly tugging, adjusting, or holding your breath the make something work - it's not working.

When you try something on, ask yourself. Can I breathe, sit, and walk with ease? Do I feel good standing tall in this? If the answer is mo, that piece is stealing your confidence, not giving it.

Closet test: Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or restricted goes in the "thank you, but goodbye" pile.

2. Does the color lift you up?

Color carries energy. The right shades will make your skin glow and your eyes shine. The wrong ones can leave you looking (and feeling) washed out. If a color makes you feel drab or invisible, it doesn't deserve space in your wardrobe.

Closet test: Hold up a top near your face in the mirror. Do you look brighter and more alive, or tired and flat? That's your answer.

3. Is it built to last?

Fast fashion is tempting, but cheap fabrics and poor construction betray you quickly. Clothes should look better the longer you own them, not worse. Invest in pieces that feel good on your skin and will hold up over time.

Closet test: If something looks "tired" the moment you put it on - even if it was expensive - it's not serving you anymore.

4. Does it earn its place with versatility?

Every piece in your closet should play well with others. If you can only wear it one way, it's a diva - and diva's rarely earn their keep. When shopping, don't just ask, "Do I like it?" Ask "Can I style this at least three different ways?"

Closet test: If you can't think of multiple outfits using that piece, it's not worth the hanger space.

5. Does it reflect your personal expression?

Clothes are not just fabric - they're language. They tell the world who you are. If you're dressing for someone else's expectations (a boss, a partner, a younger version of yourself), your closet will always feel like it belongs to someone else.

Closet test: Ask yourself: Do I feel like myself in this - or like I'm wearing a costume.

6. The Confidence Check

This is the simplest test of all:

Do you smile when you see yourself in the mirror?
Do you stand taller?
Do you feel ready to meet the day?

If not, it's time to let it go.

The Luxury of Space

Here's something women often forget: the most luxurious thing in your closet isn't a designer label - it's space.

When you can actually see what you have, you'll rediscover forgotten favourites, make better use of what you own, and get dressed without the overwhelm.

Clutter steals your joy. Space gives it back.

The Bottom Line

Every piece you own should give something back to you; ease, energy, confidence or joy. If it's taking more than it's giving, it's not worth keeping.

Your closet should be a place the reflects who you are and who you're becoming. When you clear out what doesn't serve you, you make room for clothes that feel like a second skin - and choices that feel like freedom.